LAKE FOREST – A decade after Rick Warren published "The Purpose Driven Life," the mega-church pastor has released an expanded edition geared for a new generation.

"The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" 10th anniversary edition was re-released last month by Zondervan. The 368-page book sells for $26.99 in hardback.

Warren said he re-released the book to help a new generation of young people, too young to have read the original publication, understand why they're here.

"This anniversary edition represents a new approach for a new generation incorporating a new understanding of barriers that keep people from finding their purpose, based on thousands of reader's letters I have received," he said.

The new book has two additional chapters addressing the issues of "The Envy Trap – I must be like you to be happy" and "The People-Pleaser Trap – I must be liked by you to be happy." In addition, QR codes and web links are incorporated to provide a video intro and audio message by Warren for each chapter as well as access to an online community.

The original book, published in 2002, sold more than 32 million copies and has been called the best-selling nonfiction hardback ever. It has been translated into 50 languages and has been read by church groups and others worldwide. Three local clergy members took a look at the book; here are their thoughts.

Pastor David Mattson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point calls the book "essential for people from all walks of life." He said it should appeal to all but is essential for people who grew up in a church, but fell away in their teenage years, before they could put things together as an adult.

"This guide put things back together," he said. "It walks the purposeful path of a personal faith while at the same time emphasizing being part of a community; the path of introspective faith, while at the same time lifting up an outward focus on serving others."

Mattson said he particularly enjoyed the opening chapter and the opening line about the purpose of your life not being about you. He also credits Warren with getting this type of conversation started for many people.

"Not only is that a clever catch, it's a great shove to find something greater than the Beatles song, 'I, Me, Mine.'"

Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz of Tustin's Congregation B'nai Israel appreciates the book's appeal to the online generation and community. He points to the QR readers at the beginning of each chapter.

"Smartphone apps allow you to carry Pastor Warren around in your purse or pocket," Spitz said. "When you open the QR reader with your smartphone there is a short video of Pastor Warren, an hourlong audio, an easy mechanism to Facebook or Twitter the lesson to a friend, and a worksheet that allows the listener to personalize the audio sermon. The new content engages more senses and enhances the clarity of the spiritual guidance contained in the earlier writing."

Spitz was also familiar with the original 2002 release.

"As a Jew, I had to admittedly substitute the word God for Jesus so as to more readily identify with the lessons taught," he said. "The message was clear: A life of purpose meant service on behalf of God. Pastor Warren offered daily steps over 40 days toward a lifetime of purpose. I was not surprised that so many people read the book. It was a testament to the importance of the questions, the credibility that Rick Warren had gained by both his ministry to the vibrant Saddleback Community and pastors around the world, and the empowerment of each reader willing to engage a holy journey."

Despite their different approaches, Spitz said he and Warren have talked about Scripture.

"Rick's saying, 'Although we may not see eye to eye, we can walk hand in hand,' has meant a lot to me," Spitz said. "He is down-to-earth and capable of uplifting with ideas. He is attuned to the universal longing for a greater purpose in life, and although he does so as a deeply committed Christian, his practical, spiritual wisdom speaks to all who are created in the image of God."

Monsignor Arthur Holquin of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano said Warren is good at providing an environment to ask questions about Christianity.

"So often churches are quick to give answers to questions people aren't asking," Holquin said. "Rick Warren has the gifted ability in his writings to create a safe environment for his readers to ask the right questions about faith and what faith calls us to. In the new edition of his classic, 'The Purpose Driven Life – What on Earth Am I Here For?' He once again captures with simplicity and clarity both the gift and challenge of what it means to be a Christian in our world today."

Pastor Rick Warren addresses the audience during a health and fitness seminar at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. CARLOS DELGADO, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Although Rabbi Elie Spitz grew up in Phoenix, he is a Tustin resident who has served as the rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel since 1988. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Reverend Monsignor Arthur Holquin began working as the pastor of the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capristano in 2003 and became the Monsignor in 2009. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
David Mattson has served as the pastor for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for the last 12 years. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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